Written by Braydon Fitzpatrick, American Indian Studies Instructor, Aaniiih Nakoda College
This past fall, Mona agreed to do an artist talk at Aaniiih Nakoda College (ANC), open to both ANC students and community members. ANC is dedicated to providing a platform for contemporary Indigenous artists to openly talk about their experiences navigating contemporary spaces with art that is heavily, if not entirely, influenced by American Indian traditions and culture. When speaking about her inspirations, Mona stated “I draw inspiration from our rich and vibrant culture. Since I live in a city that hosts many different tribes, and I myself come from a unique background, I focus on contemporary issues of identity.” In looking at Mona’s vast portfolio of art, it is clear that her outlook on culture and knowledge is always growing and evolving with her and her life experiences.
The audience was enthralled with the wealth of information that Mona shared at her talk and had many engaging comments and questions. One of our students told me that Mona’s presentation made her want to get back into art and start on new projects. It was for these reasons that I wanted to further highlight Mona and her art. I was able to ask Mona some interview questions to learn more about her life, background and where she learned her love for her culture and art.
Mona Cliff is an enrolled member of the Gros Ventre tribe (A’aninin/Nakota Nations). Mona is married and has three children aged fourteen, fifteen, and seventeen years old. She currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas. Mona is a multidisciplinary visual artist. Seed beadwork & sewing applique have been a primary foundation of her artistic practice, a practice that focuses on how traditional arts are passed down between generations of women, thus influencing culture. Mona incorporates concepts of generational knowledge while exploring other topics such as Native futurism and identity. When I enquired about where her cultural knowledge comes from and who she considers her teachers, Mona answered “I learned beadwork from my paternal grandmother, when I was nineteen. I approached her and she showed me how to do two needle flat stitch. Later on, as the years went by, I learned other beadwork techniques from beaders while at social gatherings or ceremony… I have incorporated seed beads techniques into my Contemporary practice since 2018.”
She recently completed a commissioned work for the Kansas City International Airport. A beaded piece that spans 17ft. Her work can also be seen at the Autry Museum of the American West in L.A. included in the Future Imaginaries exhibition which will be on display until 2026. She is preparing for several solo exhibits in 2025-2026.
Whether looking at Mona’s past, or into her bright future full of opportunity, it is clear that art has played a pivotal role in Mona’s life. We are lucky to have members of our Tribes who are as talented and committed to their cultural roots as Mona.
